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Introduction

Throughout history, we have made many discoveries and breakthroughs related to living systems, microorganisms and the human body which have helped contribute to the development of medicine and civilizations around the world. This has benefited humans through the successful treatment of diseases and illness and led to numerous advancements especially in the food and agriculture industries.

Let’s take a look at how the bacteria and microorganisms co-existing with us in various biological systems may in some cases cause illness yet in others make great contributions to the advancement of human life.

Total Aerobic Plate CountView more

Total Aerobic Plate Count

The aerobic colony count, or aerobic plate count (APC) reflects the level of microorganisms in a product. The APC can show quality, shelf life and post heat-processing contamination for fresh fish or fish products1. Usually products have an APC of 104 -105 /g, while other types of seafood have APC of 106 -108 /g, which are safe levels. For a list of some food product guidelines click here.

APC is also used for assessing sanitary quality, organoleptic properties, acceptability of and conformity to good manufacturing practices, and to a lesser extent as an indication of safety. 2

The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) have developed a detailed procedural process, which uses 2 methods to determine aerobic plate count: 3
- Conventional Plate Count Method
- Spiral Place Method

Total Coliform Count View more

Total Coliform Count

Enterobacteriaceae in the bloodstream

Coliform is used to describe rod-shaped bacteria isolated from human feces. 4 The coliform group of bacteria belongs to a single taxonomic family (Enterobacteriaceae). Other genera in the Enterobacteriaceae family – Salmonella and Shigella – are not considered as coliform.

Coliform Bacteria

This is used as an indicator of microbial water quality and expresses the sanitary condition of a water supply. It indicates the number of coliform bacteria per 100 ml water, and records the extent of fecal matter in the sample. The results will represent the CDM, or Coliform Microbial Density. Coliforms are found in plants, soil and the digestive tracts of humans and animals. 5 Their existence often indicates contamination by more harmful bacteria as well as viruses and parasites.

Water Quality Tests

Total Coliforms include bacteria that are found in the soil, in water that has been influenced by surface water and in human or animal waste.

Fecal Coliforms are total coliforms that are present specifically in the gut and feces of warm-blooded animals.

Escherichia Coli (E. coli)is the best indicator of fecal pollution and the possible presence of pathogens.

The Total Coliform count test is now a co-indicator or in some cases has been completely replaced by the Total E. coli count as the primary bacterial indicator of fecal pollution.

Total Escherichia Coli CountView more

Total Escherichia Coli Count

A German–Austrian pediatrician Theodor Escherich discovered Bacterium coli commune (Escherichia Coli) in 1885. 6 He gave it this name as it is found in the colon.

Total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. Coli) are indicators that measure the degree of pollution and sanitary quality of water. 7 Recent contamination from human or animal waste causes the occurrence of pathogens in drinking water. Contamination may be due to:
- Improperly treated septic and sewage discharge
- Leaching of animal manure
- Storm water runoff
- Domestic animals or wildlife

Health Risks

A water source contaminated with fecal material as indicated by E. Coli testing, may contain bacteria, viruses and parasites. The most common symptoms associated with contamination include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Usually infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems suffer more serious effects. In severe cases, pathogens may affect the lungs, skin, eyes, nervous system, kidneys or liver.